Residents are encouraged to check if there is an existing ratepayer/resident/community association within their area.
Establishing ratepayer or resident or community group
To establish ratepayer and resident or community association:
- Contact existing groups to learn about their experiences, benefits, and challenges in starting an association.
- Consider the benefits and potential support for establishing a group.
- If support is evident, gather community members through a public meeting or direct contact.
- Form a working group with interested individuals to navigate the formal processes of association establishment.
- Develop a constitution, pursue incorporation, establish a bank account, and secure suitable insurance for the associated body.
Constitution
A constitution is a basic set of rules that govern how your association/group will operate. It should outline the association/group’s purpose, list the rules of operations and set out the member’s rights and responsibilities. The Department of Commerce provides a model set of rules for an association or incorporated body. Visit the Department of Commerce.
Incorporation
Incorporation provides a group with its own legal identity, separate from its members. Although there is no legal requirement for a group to be incorporated, incorporation provides a number of benefits:
- Protects members from being sued, or being individually liable, for the action of the group.
- Increases the group’s eligibility for grants to undertake projects.
- Allows the group to enter into leases, open bank accounts and borrow money in its own name.
- Enables the group’s name to be registered, ensuring no one else can use it. The Department of Commerce provides a comprehensive overview of the requirements and key points to be undertaken to become an incorporated body. Visit the Department of Commerce.
Once your association or group is established, contact the City on 9400 4000 to be listed on the community directory.
